Matrix drying apparatus and machine



Jan. 24, 195% L. J. GRINER MATRIX DRYING APPARATUS AND MACHINE 4Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 20, 1951 1 Juvcntor Gttornegg,

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MATRIX DRYING APPARATUS AND MACHINE Filed April 20, 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet2 Z hmentor (It ornegs Jam. 24, 1956 L- J. GRINER MATRIX DRYINGAPPARATUS AND MACHINE 4, Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed April 20, 1951 (IttornegsJan. 2%, 395% g GRENER ATRIX DRYING APPARATUS AND MACHINE 4Sheets-=Sheet 4 Filed April 20, 1951 a Q Q J5 Nw United States Patent2,731,733 MATRIX DRYING APPARATUS AND MACHINE Leslie J. Griner, Detroit,Mich, assignor to Alice, Inc., West Springfield, Mass, a corporation ofMassachusetts Application April 20, 1951, Serial No. 222,074 Claims.(Cl. 34--60) This invention relates to drying machines and, inparticular, to machines for drying newspaper matrices or the papercomposition plates from which the curved plates are cast for theprinting of newspapers.

In the printing of newspapers, the so-called matrix is made ofcardboard-like material of cellulose from the type set by the Linotypemachine, and this is used for casting the curved type plates which areused in rotary presses. The matrix must be dry before it is put into thecasting machine. Approximately 22% of the matrix as originally made ismoisture. In removing this moisture, the matrix shrinks and, if care isnot taken, distortion occurs. The shrinking of the matrix is regarded asdesirable because it makes the printed page smaller and consequentlyuses less newsprint. Present shrinkage is about an inch on a matrixapproximately sixteen inches wide. The shrinkage obtained depends uponthe moisture content of the matrix. The saving of newsprint paperbecomes considerable for a large newspaper.

One object of the present invention is to provide a matrix dryingmachine which will dry and shrink a matrix in the minimum time with aminimum of distortion.

Another object is to provide a matrix drying machine having an actionwhich is unaffected by the humidity of the atmosphere or by otheroutside conditions.

Another object is to provide a matrix drying machine wherein the dampmatrix is held in a vertical position while it is subjected either tothe action of infra-red rays or to a blast of dry air which isoptionally heated.

Another object is to provide a matrix drying machine of the foregoingcharacter wherein the machine is additionally provided with quicklyoperable means for moving the matrix into a position from which it isconveniently removed when the drier cabinet is opened.

Another object is to provide a matrix drying machine of the foregoingcharacter wherein the damp matrix is held between vertical wire framesor between transparent panels or plates so as to confine the hottestportion of the heated air to the region immediatelly around the matrix,thereby achieving a higher efiiciency and economy in the operation ofthe machine.

Another object is to provide a modified matrix drying machine whichholds the matrix in an arcuately bent position while it is being driedand shrunk, thereby readying it for immediate insertion in the castingmachine in which the curved type plates of the rotary presses are cast.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent fromthe following description of the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure l is a vertical section through a matrix drying machine accordingto one form of the invention, with the machine in its closed position,taken along the line 11 in Figure 2;

Figure 2 is a vertical section taken approximately at right angles tothe vertical section of Figure 1, along the line 22 in Figure l Figure 3is a view partly in top plan and partly in horizontal section takenalong the zigzag line 3-3 in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a vertical section similar to Figure 1 but partly in sideelevation and showing the machine in its open position ready for theinsertion or removal of a matrix, shown in dotted lines; 7

Figure 5 is a vertical section similar to Figure l, but showing amodified matrix drier employing hot air instead of infra-red rays fordrying the matrix;

Figure 6 is a horizontal section taken along the line 66 in Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a vertical section similar to Figure 1 but showing a secondmodification in which the matrix is held between parallel transparentplates or panels which confine the moist heated air to the immediatevicinity of the matrix;

Figure 8 is a horizontal section taken along the line 8-8 in Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a vertical section partly in side elevation, similar toFigure l but showing a third modification wherein the matrix is driedand shrunk in a curved or arcuate position;

Figure 10 is a horizontal 10-10 in Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a diagrammatic side elevation showing the connectionsbetween the drier, blower and air desiccator of the complete apparatusshown in the foregoing figures wherein the moisture-laden air follows anopen circuit from which it is discharged directly into the atmosphere;

Figure 12 is a view similar to Figure 11 but showing a modificationwherein the moisture-laden air follows a closed circuit in which it isreturned to the desiccator for recirculation;

Figure 13 is a view similar to Figure 11, but showing a furthermodification employing an open circuit with an additional dry airheater; and

Figure 14 is a view similar to Figure 12, but showing a still furthermodification employing a closed circuit with an additional dry airheater.

Referring to the drawings in detail, Figures 1 to 4 inclusive show amatrix drier, generally designated 20, according to one form of theinvention, as consisting generally of a cabinet or housing 21 containinga matrix holder, generally designated 22, in which the matrix issubjected to heat radiation from parallel heat-radiation sources, generally designated 23, while the cabinet 21 is subjected to the passageof dry air from an air-drying and circulating apparatus, generallydesignated 24. The latter apparatus (Figure 11) consists of a blower 25having an inlet conduit 26 leading thereto from a conventionaldesiccator 27 and a discharge conduit 28 leading from the outlet of theblower 25 to the machine 20. An air inlet pipe 29 is connected to theinlet of the desiccator 27 and a moist air discharge pipe 30 leads fromthe machine 20 to the atmosphere.

In the modified air drying and circulating apparatus 31 of Figure 12,the inlet and outlet pipes 29 and 30 are replaced by a single pipe 32which recirculates the moist air discharged from the drying machine 20directly back to the desiccator 27. The further modified air drying andcirculating apparatus 33 of Figure 13 is the same as the open circuitair drying and circulating apparatus 24 of Figure 11 with the additionof a conventional air heater 34- in the pipe 26 for the purpose ofheating the dry air coming from the desiccator. The still furthermodified air drying and circulating apparatus 35 of Figure 14 is likethe closed circuit apparatus 31 shown in Figure 12 with the sameaddition of a conventional air heater 34 in the same pipe 26. it will beevident that the heater 34 of Figures 13 and 14 could also be placed inthe discharge pipe 28 of the blower 25 rather than in the inlet pipe 26and still heat the dry air coming into the drying and shrinking machine20.

The desiccator 27 may be of any suitable conventional section takenalong the line position between the matrix holder type, employing eithera drying agent, such as silica gel, calcium chloride or other well-knowndrying agents, or it may employ air conditioning apparatus which coolsthe air in order to dehydrate it. Such drying agents and devices arewell-known in the chemical and ventilation industries and thereforerequire no detailed discussion. The result of any of the four types ofair drying and circulatingapparatus 24, 31, 33 and is to forciblydeliver dry air to the matrix drying machine 20 either by taking it fromthe atmosphere and returning it to the atmosphere without heating theair (as in Figure ll) or heating the air (Figure 13), or byrecirculating the moisture-laden air from the matrix drying machine 20back to the desiccator 27, either wtihout heating the air (Figure 12) orheating the air (Figure 14).

The matrix drying machine 20 is of box-like form with side walls 36, abottom wall 37 and a top wall 38 having lids or doors 39 and 40 hingedthereto as at 41 and 42 respectively. The lateral edges of the lids ordoors 39 and 40 are flanged upwardly as at 43 (Figure 2) so as to causethem to rest upon the top wall 33 at the edge of the opening 39, withthe lids 39 and 40 lying in substantially the same plane as the top wall38. Handles 44 are attached to the doors 39 and 40 to permit them to beeasily raised and lowered.

The air discharge conduit 28 at its end has an elongated portion 45which fits into an elongated opening or port 46 in the bottom wall 37 ofthe cabinet 21, so that dried incoming air is supplied to the elongatedopening 46 immediately beneath the matrix holder 22. Near the top wall38 at the top of the matrix holder 22, one of the side walls 36 of thecabinet 21 is provided with an outlet opening 47 (Figure l) to which thepipe 30 or 32 for the discharge of the moisture-laden air is connected,as the case may be.

The matrix holder 22 is mounted upon base members 48 bolted or otherwisesecured to the bottom wall 37 at opposite sides of the cabinet 21(Figure l). Pivotally mounted upon pivot pins or bolts 49 in the basemembers 48 is a swinging frame 50 formed of vertical bars 51interconnected by upper and lower horizontal angle members 52 and 53respectively (Figure 1). Stretched between and secured at their oppositeends to the horizontal angle members 52 and 53 are laterally-spacedvertical wires 54 which serve to prevent the matrix M from fallingthrough the frame 50.

Pivoted as at 55 to the opposite side bars 51 are side links 56 whichare pivoted as at 57 to angle brackets 58 bolted to the undersides ofthe door 39 and extending downwardly therefrom. The inner or lower endof each link 56 is extended beyond the pivot pin 55 and carries a stoppin 59 (Figure 1). Also pivoted to the pivots 57 are the upper ends oflinks 60, the lower ends of which are pivoted as at 61 to the oppositeends of a matrix rest supporting bar 62 having U-shaped matrix rests 63spaced at intervals therealong (Figure 2), the U-shaped rests 63 havingstems 64 between them and the bar 62. The opposite ends of the bar 62carry flanged side blocks 65 of rectangular form which slide up and downin rectangular guide slots 66 in guide portions 67 extending upward fromeach base 48.

Spaced laterally away from the angle members 52 and S3 in the verticalposition of the frame 50 are stationary upper and lower angle members 68and 69, the upper angle member 68 being secured at its opposite ends tothe side walls 36 and the lower angle member 69 being bolted orotherwise secured at its opposite end (Figure 3) to the bottom wall 37near the'opposite ends of the elongated opening or port 46.Laterally-spaced vertical wires 70 are stretched between and secured tothe upper and lower angle members 68 and 69 for the same purpose as thewires 54.

In order to provide heat for drying the matrix Min its 22, the interiorof the cabinet 21 is provided with the parallel heat-radiation throughthe pipe 26 'into sources 23 which consist of parallelvertically-disposed banks of approximately conical reflectors 71 securedto vertical plates 72 adjacent circular openings 73 (Figure 1). Theplates 72 are mounted on and secured to cross bars 74 extending betweenopposite side walls 36 of the cabinet 21, each plate 72 beingapproximately square and provided with a single opening 73. Mounted ineach of the reflectors 71 is an electric light socket 75 in which isinserted an incandescent light bulb 76, preferably of the infra-red typeproviding a powerful source of heat radiation. The sockets 75 areinterconnected by cables or conductor conduits 77 which are connected ata junction box 78 to a flexible conductor cable 79 leading to a suitablesource of electric current. The cable 79 makes a connection with thejunction or outlet box 73 by means of a conventional plug 80 which isremovably inserted therein.

{In the operation of the form of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 4inclusive, to insert a damp matrix M upon which the type impressionshave been pressed, the lid or door 39 is raised by means of its handle44 to the position shown in Figure 4. When this is done, the anglebrackets 58 swing upward, carrying their pivots S7 upward andconsequently exerting upward pulls on the links 56 and 60. The upwardpull on the links 56 when transmitted through the pivot 55 to themovable frame 51, swings the frame 50 from its vertical or closedposition (Figure 1) to itsinclined or open position (Figure 4). Theupward pull on the links 60, when transmitted through the pivot pins 61to the bar 62, raises the matrix rests 63 to the position shown inFigure 4, the blocks 65 moving upward to the top of the guide slots 66.The matrix M may then be easily inserted through the opening 39 in thetop wall 38 of the cabinet 21 and positioned with its lower edgestanding on the rests 63.

The operator now swings the cover or door 39 down ward into its closedposition (Figure l), the consequent swinging of the links 56 and 60swinging the movable frame 50 into its vertical or closed position andat the same time lowering the bar 62 and matrix rests 63 to theirlowered positions. Meanwhile, the banks 23 of infra-red bulbs 76 havebeen energized by energizing the conductor cable 79 and the blower 25has been started in operation. The blower 25 draws air from theatmosphere into and through thedesic'cator 27 where its moisture isremoved by the dehydrating agent, such as silica gel or calciumchloride, or by the refrigerating apparatus of the air conditioningsystem, whereupon the dried air is drawn 7 the inlet of the blower 25,either directly (Figure 11) or through the air heater 34 (Figure 13),the dried air being discharged through the pipe 28 and elongated portion45 through the elongated opening 46 into the interior of the cabinet 21immediately beneaththe matrix M; The dry air, either heated or unheated,passes upward to the outlet opening 47 and dis charge pipe 30, absorbingmoisture from the matrix M as it passes upward along its oppositesurfaces. The heat radiated from the infra-red bulbs 76 against theopposite side of the matrix M accelerates the drying there of and thedrying brings about the desired shrinkage of the matrix'M. If themoisture-laden air is recirculated, as in the system shown in Figures 12and 14, it reenters thedesiccator 27 which again removes its moisturebefore it is returnedto the drying machine 20 by the blower 25.

When the matrix M is sufiiciently dry, the operator again swings thedoor or lid 39 upward to the position of Figure 4, tilting theswingingframe 50 into its inclined position while raising the matrix rests 63,lifting the upper edge of the matrix M above the level of the opening 39in the top of the cabinet 21. The operator then grasps the projectingedge of the matrix M and removes it from the machine 20, replacing itwith the next damp matrix 'tobe'dried. T g The'modified matrix drying'm'a'chine, generally designated (Figures 5 and 6) is of similarconstruction to the machine 20 of Figures 1 to 4 inclusive and similarparts are designated with the same reference numerals. In the modifiedmachine 90. however, the banks 23 of heat-radiating bulbs 76 have beenomitted, and the cabinet 91 has been correspondingly reduced in size.Moreover, a partition member in the form of a vertical plate 92 issecured to and rises from the brackets 48 adjacent the edge of theopening 46, and cooperates with a closure panel 93 or movable partitionwhich is secured by the brackets 94 to the movable or swinging frame 50.The action of the modified drying machine 90 is substantially the sameas that of the machine 20 of Figures 1 to 4 inclusive, except that theopen system of Figure 13 or the closed system of Figure 14 would be usedsince these are equipped with air heaters 34. The use of these airheaters 34 is of course preferable where there is no heating arrangementwithin the cabinet itself.

The modified matrix drying machine, generally designated 100 (Figures 7and 8) is likewise similar in most respects to the machine 20 of Figures1 to 4 inclusive, and similar parts are likewise designated with thesame reference numerals. In the modified machine 100, however, the wires54 and 70 are replaced by transparent panels or plates 101 and 102,preferably spaced just far enough apart (Figure 7) to form a closedchamber for the matrix M. These transparent plates or panels 101 and 102are mounted in channel frames 103 and 104, rather than the angle membersof Figure 1, and may be of glass, transparent plastic or other materialwhich is transparent to infra-red radiation from the banks 23 ofinfra-red bulbs 76. The channel frame 102 is connected to the cabinetside walls 36 by partitions 105 (Figure 8) whereas partitions 106 extendinward from the side walls 36 to close the gap between the latter andthe swinging transparent panel 101. The operation of the modified matrixdrying machine 100 is similar to that described for the machine 20 ofFigures 1 to 4 inclusive except that the moist heated air is confinedbetween the transparent plates or panels 101 and 102, rather than beingpermitted to permeate the entire interior of the cabinet 21.

The modified matrix drying machine, generally designated 110 (Figures 9and follows similar principles of operation but is of differentconstruction in order to mount the matrix M in a curved or arcuateposition while it is being dried and shrunk. For this purpose, thecabinet 111 is provided with an arcuate opening 112 in its upper wall113 and the matrix M is supported on plungers 114 which raise and lowerit by means of a foot pedal 115 which is secured at 116 to a pivot shaft117, the opposite ends of which are journaled in brackets 118 secured toand extending downward from the bottom wall 119 of the cabinet 111. Thepivot rod 117 carries spaced crank arms 120 which are pivotallyconnected by the links 121 to the lower ends of the plungers 114.Consequently, when the foot pedal 115 is depressed by the operator, theconsequent rotation of the pivot shaft 117 and upward swinging of thearms 121 lifts the plungers 114 and with them the matrix M, causing theupper edge thereof to project through the opening 112 when the hingedcover 122 thereof is opened by lifting the handle 123.

The matrix M is supported between pairs of concentric upper arcuateangle members 124 and 125, and similar lower arcuate angle members 126and 127, spaced wires 128 and 129 extending between these in a mannersimilar to that of the wires 54 and 70 of Figures 1 to 4 inclusive.Arcuate banks 130 and 131 of heat lamp reflectors with incandescentbulbs 132 cause heat rays to be projected upon the opposite sides of thematrix M mounted in the arcuate space between the outer and inner wires128 and 129. Dry air is supplied to this space by a conduit 133 whichconnects with an arcuate duct 134 extending around the bottom of thearcuate space 135 for the matrix M, spaced holes or openings 136admitting the dry air to the interior of the cabinet 111. The dry airpasses upward 6 through the arcuate space 135 and outward to theatmosphere by way of an outlet pipe 137.

The mode of operation of the modified matrix drying machine is generallysimilar to that of the machine 20 shown in Figures 1 to 4 inclusive,except in the details mentioned, resulting from the fact that the matrixM is dried and shrunk in an arcuate position rather than in a flatposition. The matrix M is inserted and removed by raising the door orlid 122 by the handle 123 and at the same time depressing the foot pedalto raise the plungers 114. If a matrix is to be removed, the plungers114 lift the upper edge of the matrix M above the level of the opening112 in the top 113, making it easily accessible to grasp by an operator.The plungers 114 are maintained in their raised position by keeping thefoot pedal 115 depressed until the next damp matrix M is inserted in thearcuate space 135, whereupon the release of the foot pedal 115 and theconsequent descent of the plungers 114 cause the lowering of the matrixM into the position shown in Figure 10. The cover or door 122 is thenmoved downward into its closed position, the arcuate banks and 131 ofinfra-red bulbs 132 are energized to cause radiant heat to impingeagainst the opposite sides of the matrix M, simultaneously drying andshrinking the latter at a rapid rate. The matrix is then removed and itscurved form permits it to fit easily into the curved space in thecasting machine without requiring it to be bent into arcuate form.

The electrical circuit has not been shown beyond the cable 79 and plug80 (Figures 1 and 2) because it is outside the scope of the presentinvention, as set forth in the claims herein. For the purposes of betterunderstanding the invention and its background, however, it may be saidthat an electronically-operated control circuit is provided which isenergized by a switch operated by the door or lid 39. When the door 39is closed, it closes this switch which in turn energizes the electricalcontrol circuit. The electrical control circuit, when thus energized,turns on the heating bulbs 76 or air heater 34, turns on the blower 25and starts an automatic timer (not shown) in operation. When this timerhas completed the time cycle for which it was set, it opens the controlcircuit. The latter then turns off the heating bulbs 76 or air heater 34(Figures 13 and 14), turns off the blower 25 and energizes a signal,such as a bell, to warn the operator, or causes the door 39 to springopen.

What I claim is:

1. A matrix drying machine comprising a cabinet having a matrix dryingchamber therein, a matrix holder in said chamber having avertically-disposed matrix-retaining device adapted to hold said matrixin a substantially vertical position, heaters disposed in said dryingchamber on opposite sides of said matrix in said holder, an air inletport in the lower part of said cabinet disposed beneath said holder, anair outlet port in the upper part of said cabinet disposed adjacent theupper portion of said retaining device, said cabinet having an accessopening adjacent said holder, a closure disposed in closing relationshipwith said opening, a portion of said matrixretaining device beingmounted for motion between open and closed positions relatively to theremainder thereof, and mechanism operatively connecting the movableportion of said matrix-retaining device to said closure, said mechanismbeing responsive to the opening motion of said closure for shifting saidmovable matrix-retaining portion to its open position relatively to saidremainder thereof.

2. A matrix drying machine comprising a cabinet having a matrix dryingchamber therein, a matrix holder in said chamber having avertically-disposed matrix-retaining device adapted to hold said matrixin a substantially vertical position, heaters disposed in said dryingchamber on opposite sides of said matrix in said holder, an air in letport in the lower part of said cabinet disposed beneath said holder, anair outlet port in the upper part of said cabinet disposed adjacent theupper portion. of said retaining device, said cabinet having an accessopening adjacent said holder, a closure member disposed in closingrelationship with said opening, a portion of said matrix-retainingdevice being mounted for motion between open and closed positionsrelatively to the remainder thereof, a handle member shiftably mountedon the outside of said cabinet and mechanism operatively connecting saidmovable matrix-retaining device portion to one of said members andresponsive to the shifting of said one member to move said movableportion to its open position.

3. A matrix drying machine comprising a cabinet having a matrix dryingchamber therein, a matrix holder in said chamber having avertically-disposed matrix-retaining device adapted to hold said matrixin a substantially vertical position, heaters disposed in said dryingchamber on opposite sides of said matrix in said holder, an air inletport in the lower part of said cabinet disposed beneath said holder, anair outlet port in the upper part of said cabinet disposed adjacent theupper portion of said retaining device, said cabinet having an accessopening adjacent said holder, and a closure disposed in closingrelationship with said opening, said matrix-retaining device including afixed retaining structure stationarily secured to said cabinet and amovable retaining'structure movably mounted relatively to said fixedretaining structure, said movable retaining structure being accessiblefor actuation through said access opening for shifting to open andclosed positions relatively to said fixed retaining structure whereby toefiect loading and unloading of said matrix holder without removing itfrom said cabinet.

4. A matrix drying machine comprising a cabinet having a matrix dryingchamber therein, a matrix holder in said chamber having avertically-disposed matrix-retaining device adapted to hold said matrixin a substantially vertical position, heaters disposed in said dryingchamber on opposite sides of said matrix in said holder, an air inletport in the lower part of said cabinet disposed beneath said holder, anair outlet port in the upper part of said cabinet disposed adjacent theupper portion of said retaining device, said cabinet having an accessopening adjacent said holder, a closure disposed in closing relationshipwith said opening, said matrix-retaining device including a fixedretaining structure and a movable retaining structure movably mountedfor motion between open and closed positions relatively to said fixedretaining structure, and mechanism operatively connecting said movableretaining structure to said closure and responsive to the opening motionof said closure for shifting said movable retaining structure to itsopen position.

5. A matrix drying machine comprising a cabinet having a matrix dryingchamber therein, a matrix holder in said chamber having avertically-disposed matrix-retaining device adapted to hold said matrixin a substantially vertical position, heaters disposed in said dryingchamber on opposite sides of said matrix holder and arranged to directheat against the opposite sides of said matrix in said holder, an airinlet port in the lower part of said cabinet disposed beneath saidholder, an air outlet port in the upper part of said cabinet disposedadjacent the upper portion of said retaining device, said cabinet havingan access opening adjacent said holder, and a closure disposed inclosing relationship withsaid opening, said matrix-retaining deviceincluding a fixed retaining structure and a movable retaining structuremovably mounted relatively to said fixed retaining structure, saidstructures comprising panels of heat-radiation transparent materialdisposed in spaced parallel relationship defining a matrix spacetherebetween.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS

